LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Moraga Movers to the Rescue
Published June 24th, 2009
Moraga Movers to the Rescue
By Sophie Braccini
Sylvie Tobias always wanted to give back to the town
where she's lived since the 70's, so when Kelly Clancy,
from the Moraga Planning Department, asked her if she
could help with clerical work she immediately accepted.
Tobias' volunteer experience was the first time that the
Moraga Movers' database, which lists each member's skills,
was put to the test. George Fisher, President of the
Movers, believes that the skills base of the group's
members is an under-utilized resource in the town.
The 377 members of the Moraga Movers are listed in a file
maintained by Fisher. On a suggestion by Darlene Haffner,
he added a category listing professional qualifications.
"Most of our members are retired," says Fisher, "but their
professional experience is very diverse and they love to
help." Among the qualifications listed are accounting,
computers, crafts, clerical, musician, gardening, legal,
medical, sales and marketing, web master, woodwork and
others.
Tobias, who volunteered to help the Town, had a job there
in the past. "I used to write the minutes as a contractor for
Sylvia Tobias (left) and Kelly Clancy hard at most of the commissions and Council meetings," she
work in the Town office Photo Sophie explains. "Staff used to give me a tape and I typed the
Braccini minutes from there." Tobias remembers the office she
worked in at 329 Rheem. She continues to feel close to the
town and enjoyed coming back to lend a hand. "Everyone was so easy to work with and friendly," said Tobias, "I
will go back whenever they need me."
By the same token, Clancy was very pleased with the help. "Sylvia Tobias came in last Friday and was here from
10 am until about 4 pm," she said, she was a trooper! We had a mailing that needed to be folded and sealed and
stamped for postage for 1559 addresses. I could not have done it without her." Clancy adds that as staff move to
the Hacienda while the building at 329 Rheem undergoes construction work, she will most probably need help
with a myriad of tasks. Planning Director Lori Salamack agrees, "Yes, we will use the Moraga Movers again when
we have an appropriate project."
Recently Verna Osborne took the minutes at the Moraga Liaison meeting, replacing Susan Sperry who's been the
notes-master for years. "I had to follow up to check names and background information," said Osborne, all the
people I phoned and emailed were very gracious and helpful." Before retirement, this 17 year Moraga resident
used to take notes at legislative hearings in Sacramento, so the fast flow of information was not a problem for
her. She reported enjoying discovering this monthly meeting and getting to know all the town's officials.
George Fisher hopes to promote the Movers' skills with other departments and organizations. "Jay Ingram, the
Parks and Rec Director, works closely with us and knows what we are doing," said Fisher. "He told Kelly about us.
With our very wide range of skills we can help ourselves first; of course, town departments and other community
groups can always contact us and have a discussion." The best way to reach the Movers is to call 376-6622.
Reach the reporter at: sophie@lamorindaweekly.com
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA
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